A 1980s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Westly since 1918
Babies named Westly per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 12 |
| 1920s | 50 |
| 1930s | 52 |
| 1940s | 38 |
| 1950s | 75 |
| 1960s | 52 |
| 1970s | 85 |
| 1980s | 164 |
| 1990s | 124 |
| 2000s | 94 |
| 2010s | 120 |
| 2020s | 75 |
Meaning & origin
Westly is a variant spelling of Wesley, a name with English origins meaning 'west meadow.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1918, but saw a notable spike in popularity around its peak year of 1980. Since 1997, usage has been on a rising trajectory, suggesting renewed interest. In 2025, it ranked 5,861 with a frequency of 1 in 113,872 births. Westly remains a less common alternative to the more traditional Wesley, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar sound.
Westly is a variant of Wesley, derived from an English surname meaning 'west meadow' or 'west clearing,' from Old English 'west' (west) and 'lēah' (wood, clearing). It emerged as a given name in the 19th century, often used as an alternative spelling of Wesley. The name gained moderate popularity in the United States, especially in the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wes, West
Sibling names for Westly
Names that share Westly's style, for a brother or sister.
